Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia [8 VAC 20 ‑ 542]
Action Comprehensive Revision of the Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 10/31/2015
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10/27/15  11:57 pm
Commenter: Thomas Hartman, Ph.D.

Social Foundations of Education
 

Re: the proposed course
name change from "social foundations" to " the teaching profession." 

I am
strongly opposed, failing sufficient explanation.

I understand the described
course content remains essentially the same but I must presume this is
temporary, else why change the name? What can be afoot?

I have no personal
investment in the matter: I have no professional connection to any school of
education.

I am afraid what I suspect is a  move away from the estimable
tradition of John Dewey and progressive educational philosophy. Dewey held
public education to be a prime engine of social responsibility, social progress,
and social justice. To leave that to one side in favor of an emphasis on
teaching as a semi-isolable function would be parallel to a seminary's ditching
courses in the social context of ministry in favor of a " just preach the
gospel; leave social concerns to others" approach. The classroom of course is not a place for preaching but teachers themselves need to be aware.

 

CommentID: 42365